Does anybody drive a Hybrid?

[inactive]

Get a corolla in manual and get 44.

This is true - the little Toyotas get GREAT mileage.

I had a Yaris as a rental in Michigan, drove from Detroit to Grand Rapids and back on the same tank. Got just under 40 MPG. And did I mention it was a rental? I drove the piss out of that poor thing!

The downside? It's a Yaris. But it was a handy little car.


As an aside, I had a Ranger for around 10 years until I sold it to my brother in law (he needed a car, so I did it as a favor). I too got 24ish in it. I appreciated the fact it was a truck (with the handy little bed) that got such good mileage. My biggest beef was the same as your wife - only hauls 2 people. My Dakota Quad Cab gets around 15 MPG. It's a bummer when compared to what the Ranger did.

 

[Traxxis]

Particularly interested in the FUSION or the ESCAPE.

The Cruze is a nice looking car to, but I haven't had a chance to check them out.

So, does anybody have any input on Ford Hybrids?

The VW's are nice, but as a guy that does his own mechanic work, the VW's are nightmares, even though I have always liked them and wanted one.

If I go diesel, it will be a Powerstroke. Unless I can find a 4 cyl Cummins and find a way to mount it in one of my Rangers. Can you imagine running 75 mph at 1200 rpm with 45 MPG?

 

[Traxxis]

This is true - the little Toyotas get GREAT mileage.

I had a Yaris as a rental in Michigan, drove from Detroit to Grand Rapids and back on the same tank. Got just under 40 MPG. And did I mention it was a rental? I drove the piss out of that poor thing!

The downside? It's a Yaris. But it was a handy little car.


As an aside, I had a Ranger for around 10 years until I sold it to my brother in law (he needed a car, so I did it as a favor). I too got 24ish in it. I appreciated the fact it was a truck (with the hand bed) that got such good mileage. My biggest beef was the same as your wife - only hauls 2 people. My Dakota Quad Cab gets around 15 MPG. It's a bummer when compared to what the Ranger did.

Both of ours are extended cabs, so we can squeeze in four. That's what has me wondering if she is thinking further a head in life... IE baby seats.

Both easily accomplish 24 MPG at 75 MPH. Frankly, I love Rangers, and they are all I've ever owned (six of them).

 

[Zombie]

Particularly interested in the FUSION or the ESCAPE.

The Cruze is a nice looking car to, but I haven't had a chance to check them out.

So, does anybody have any input on Ford Hybrids?

The VW's are nice, but as a guy that does his own mechanic work, the VW's are nightmares, even though I have always liked them and wanted one.

If I go diesel, it will be a Powerstroke. Unless I can find a 4 cyl Cummins and find a way to mount it in one of my Rangers. Can you imagine running 75 mph at 1200 rpm with 45 MPG?

you won't find a civic that runs @ 1200 rpm when doing 75....but you will get dang good gas mileage

 

[NikatKimber]

Anyway, I have always been a staunch supporter of paying cash for everything but a home, but that's not going to be possible if we buy a new one.

Then don't buy new. Anything you save with the tax credit, you lose in the first 15 minutes of ownership, unless you get a Toyota or Honda.

I don't consider anything less than 25 good gas mileage (for a car). It's not great until it's over 35 mpg. I had one of the twin cam Saturns that I drove like a maniac, and got 36 mpg average (over 6000 miles in that average).

If you only want (need) 25+ mpg, and you want comfort on the road, get a mid '90s Ford Crown Vic, and get 26-28 on the highway. Plus you'd be able to buy cash.

My wife's 97 Camry gets 26 mpg average, and we paid $3500 for it.

IMO, if a hybrid isn't at least close to 40 mpg, or better, it's not worth it.

Find out what batteries cost, what the electric motors cost, and how often they would need to be replaced. And, if it's within the warranty time, if they would be covered.

 

[Traxxis]

Then don't buy new. Anything you save with the tax credit, you lose in the first 15 minutes of ownership, unless you get a Toyota or Honda.

I don't consider anything less than 25 good gas mileage (for a car). It's not great until it's over 35 mpg. I had one of the twin cam Saturns that I drove like a maniac, and got 36 mpg average (over 6000 miles in that average).

If you only want (need) 25+ mpg, and you want comfort on the road, get a mid '90s Ford Crown Vic, and get 26-28 on the highway. Plus you'd be able to buy cash.

My wife's 97 Camry gets 26 mpg average, and we paid $3500 for it.

IMO, if a hybrid isn't at least close to 40 mpg, or better, it's not worth it.

Find out what batteries cost, what the electric motors cost, and how often they would need to be replaced. And, if it's within the warranty time, if they would be covered.

The Fusion is rated 41 mpg.

 

[jrusling]

Specifically a Ford?

<snip>

So, any Fusion or Escape drivers out there??

That new Chevy Cruze is also pretty slick also.

Looking for something 25+ mpg.

My son bought a Fusion hybrid last Dec. He really likes it. He lives up in Owasso. If you don't find anyone else to talk to PM me and I will give you his contact info if he agrees.

 

[Traxxis]

My son bought a Fusion hybrid last Dec. He really likes it. He lives up in Owasso. If you don't find anyone else to talk to PM me and I will give you his contact info if he agrees.

That would be great! I'd mainly like to know the things he doesn't like about it, and the things that bug him about it.

I really like the technology, I think it's neat, and will become a staple in the near future.

 

[WhiteyMacD]

That would be great! I'd mainly like to know the things he doesn't like about it, and the things that bug him about it.

I really like the technology, I think it's neat, and will become a staple in the near future.

This might not be true. There *is* a chance that HEV and Highly Efficient Diesels will destroy the hybrid market.

Not being a debbie downer, but I read an article that talked about that when I was looking at hybrid SUVs for my wife.

 

[NikatKimber]

OK, lets take the Fusion.

If cost is your bottom line here, compare a 2006 Fusion, kbb = $11.5k

Annual gas cost based on 15k mi / yr = $1650

Monthly cost = $150 (11.5k 60mo loan 1.9% 2900 down pmt) + 125 (gas) + insurance, plus tag

Brand new 2011 Fusion Hybrid, $28.8k base price per Ford's website

Annual gas cost based on 15k mi / yr = $991

Monthly cost = $450 (28.8k 60mo loan 1.9% 2900 down pmt) + $82.5 (gas) + insurance, plus tag

So in short, for $300 / mo + higher insurance + higher tag, you get to save $40/mo in gas cost.